Navigating motherhood in Butler Little Theatre’s ‘Cry It Out’
Butler Little Theatre, in its production of Molly Smith Metzler’s “Cry It Out,” brings to the stage a candid exploration of early motherhood, the tensions of class divides and the complicated journey of self-discovery that comes with the birth of a child.
The play centers on the friendship that forms between two new mothers, Jessie (Casey Hoolahan), the optimistic new mother determined to keep a positive outlook, and Lina (Sarah Altomari), the cynical, rough-around-the-edges woman who is still coming to terms with her past and her choices.
The two bond as they wrestle with the question that lies at the heart of the play: What does it mean to be a good mother?
Director Katie Moore takes a naturalistic approach to the production, allowing the dialogue-heavy script to slowly spool out. Moore’s approach invites the audience into the intimate world of these new mothers, where everyday conversations about breastfeeding, day care and family dynamics take on significant weight.
The humor is anchored in the awkwardness of the characters’ interactions, as well as the frustrations of parenthood.
At the same time, the underlying sadness about the limitations placed on women’s choices, particularly in the realm of motherhood, prevents the show from becoming overly lighthearted.
The set’s simplicity, just a small patch of grass, a play set and some furniture, not only conveys the intimate, suburban setting of the play, but also reinforces the play’s emotional tone, making it feel as if the characters’ lives are closing in around them as they confront the pressures of motherhood. The careful timing and pacing of the actors’ performances emphasize the discomfort as they navigate the character’s different, yet intersecting, lives.
Altomari’s depiction of Lina stands out with her brash, profane portrayal of a recovering addict and overwhelmed mother. Hoolahan, meanwhile, embodies Jessie with a wide-eyed hope that provides a perfect counterpoint to the other women.
Kyrie Ann Lokhaiser as Adrienne, a wealthy neighbor, captures the emotional distance between her character and the others, especially when she imbues the character with a cold rage. Steve Kalina, who plays Mitchell, Adrienne’s concerned husband, creates a vulnerable man who is deeply in love with his wife, but is bewildered by her coldness and detachment.
“Cry It Out” is a poignant, and often humorous, reflection on motherhood, class and the unseen struggles women face. While it may not have explosive twists or dramatic reveals, it resonates with its authentic, honest portrayal of the lives of its characters. This engaging production at Butler Little Theatre offers a thought-provoking, funny and ultimately heart-wrenching look at motherhood and identity.
The audience is left, as are the characters, with the very real concern that, while there may not be one right way to be a mother, all of the ways feel wrong some of the time.
“Cry It Out” runs March 14 through 16 and March 18 through 22 at the Butler Little Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at butlerlittletheatre.com. “Cry It Out” runs about 105 minutes with a 10-minute intermission.
